Water-resistant liner for a safe

Abstract

A water-resistant liner insert for a safe is provided. The safe includes top and bottom elements pivotally coupled with one another to define an interior compartment when in a closed position. The liner insert may be coupled with one of the top and bottom elements. The liner insert includes a liner insert body and a resilient gasket. The liner insert body includes a peripheral edge that conforms in shape to interface surfaces on each of the top and bottom elements. The resilient gasket conforms in shape to the peripheral edge of the liner insert body and is coupled with the peripheral edge of the liner insert body. The gasket is configured to be in sealable contact with the interface surfaces of the top and bottom elements when the safe is in the closed position to substantially prevent water from entering the interior compartment of the safe.

1. A safe comprising:
 top and bottom elements pivotally coupled with one another and defining an interior compartment when in a closed position, each of the top and bottom elements including an interface surface; and 
 a liner insert coupled with one of said top and bottom elements, said liner insert including:
 a liner insert body including a peripheral edge that conforms in shape to said interface surfaces on said top and bottom elements, said liner insert body including at least one flexible attachment arm defined in said liner insert body, said at least one flexible attachment arm having a retaining tooth extending therefrom; and 
 a resilient gasket conforming in shape to said peripheral edge of said liner insert body, said gasket being coupled with said peripheral edge of said liner insert body, 
 
 wherein said one of said top and bottom elements includes an undercut, wherein said undercut includes:
 a top surface; 
 first and second side surfaces connected to the top surface, wherein the first and second side surfaces are substantially parallel with one another; 
 a first end surface connected to the top surface and first and second side surfaces, wherein the first end surface is positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the top surface; and 
 a second end surface connected to the top surface and first and second side surfaces, wherein said second end surface includes a tip portion and a concave arc portion, wherein said tip portion is flat and extends from said top surface at an acute angle, and wherein said concave arc portion extends from said tip portion and underlies said top surface thereby forming a hook-shaped fastener for attaching said retaining tooth to said undercut 
 
 wherein said retaining tooth engages said undercut to couple said liner insert body to said one of said top and bottom elements, and 
 wherein said gasket is configured to be in sealable contact with said interface surfaces of said top and bottom elements when the safe is in the closed position to substantially prevent water from entering said interior compartment of the safe. 
 
   
   
     2. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said gasket includes a cylindrically-shaped outer surface. 
   
   
     3. A safe in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein said gasket is formed as a tube defining an inner channel, wherein a rib is coupled with said peripheral edge of said liner insert body, and wherein said rib is positioned within said inner channel. 
   
   
     4. A safe in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein said liner insert body includes first and second surfaces, and wherein said gasket is coupled with said first and second surfaces. 
   
   
     5. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said retaining tooth includes a cam surface and a locking surface, wherein the engagement of the undercut with said cam surface flexes said at least one flexible attachment arm relative to said liner insert body, and wherein said locking surface contacts said undercut to maintain engagement between said liner insert body and said one of said top and bottom elements. 
   
   
     6. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said top element includes an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein said inner and outer shells are spaced apart to define an insulation cavity, and wherein said bottom element includes an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein said inner and outer shells are spaced apart to define an insulation cavity, wherein fire-resistant insulation is positioned within said insulation cavities of said top and bottom elements. 
   
   
     7. A safe in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein said top and bottom elements are formed of a thermoplastic resin. 
   
   
     8. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said gasket is formed of an elastomer. 
   
   
     9. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said liner insert body is formed of a thermoplastic resin. 
   
   
     10. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said top and bottom elements are pivotally coupled with one another by a hinge. 
   
   
     11. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a latch for maintaining said top and bottom elements in the closed position. 
   
   
     12. A safe in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a lock for selectively fastening the top element to the bottom element.